SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Before spring officially arrives next week, residents across Southern California are experiencing summer-like conditions as meteorologists forecast extraordinarily high temperatures, with some areas expected to reach the mid-90s near Los Angeles.
Thursday and Friday will bring temperatures approximately 20 degrees above typical mid-March levels, according to the National Weather Service. Health officials are warning residents about increased risks of heat-related illnesses and recommending people stay well-hydrated while limiting outdoor activities during peak daylight hours.
This unusual winter heat surge results from a high-pressure system combined with an absence of the typical cooling ocean breezes from the Pacific, explained Bryan Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist stationed in Los Angeles.
“The nation’s air conditioner, as we like to call it, is essentially shut off right now,” Lewis said Thursday. “We’ll likely tie or break several temperature records all across LA County.”
Thursday is anticipated to be the most intense day of heat in the Los Angeles area, with thermometers potentially reaching 93 degrees in the downtown core and climbing to 95 degrees throughout the San Fernando Valley. Normal temperatures for this time of year hover around 70 degrees.
Construction crews working outdoors are being provided with ample drinking water and electrolyte supplements to prevent dehydration. Companies are mandating regular rest periods, according to Junior Pineda, who represents a local chapter of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.
“And there’s always shade structures, if guys start feeling a little light-headed and need to take a few minutes,” he said Wednesday.
Both Los Angeles city and county authorities have arranged to open cooling centers to assist residents who lack air conditioning in their homes.
Zack Marquez, a wheelchair user, was completing his errands Wednesday in LA’s Koreatown district before the temperature climbed too high.
“Gotta stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.
Coastal areas may experience some relief Friday when ocean breezes return, though interior regions will continue experiencing sweltering conditions, weather forecasters predict.
Hollywood celebrities are arriving in Los Angeles for Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony, with numerous events scheduled throughout the week to capitalize on the gathering of entertainment industry stars. However, the extreme heat should subside before the awards show takes place.
Other parts of California will also experience above-average temperatures beginning next week. The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region could see temperatures exceeding 90 degrees by Monday.
